Grand Lake Reserve
1000islands #1000islands
I'm not sure what we were expecting when we did our first
hike at one of the Grand Lake Reserve Trails. But whatever it was, this series
of trails which are part of the Indian River Lake Conservancy (IRLC) fare exceeded them. There are about 10 miles of trails passing
through an incredible variety of habitats. At this writing, we have hiked
almost of their trails except for the 2.5 mile trail located on Grass Island.
We previously wrote about the Redwood Hill Preserve. All of
the Grand Lake Reserve Trails are on the opposite side of Butterfield Lake.
While they are accessed from Cottage Hill in Redwood, the land is actually
located in Theresa. Even the drive to the trails was beautiful though we do
suggest carefully following the directions. Directions: http://indianriverlakes.org/wp-content/uploads/Directions-to-GLR.pdf
For first-time visitors the Grass Lake Overlook Trail is
a must! As the name states you will arrive at a spectacular view of Grass Lake
from a bluff on the trail. One can take a quick side trip by an old abandoned
sugar shack on the way back, or proceed to the North Ridge trail (not maintained) which takes
you down to the shore of Grass Lake.
You will ultimately end up at two different breathtaking
views of Eagle Marsh and Butterfield Lake before bringing you back to the main
trail.
The trail is fairly well marked but we had to pay
attention more than on other trails with obvious well worn paths. But
definitely worth the trip! If that sounds a little too dramatic for an easy
hike, just stay on Butterfield Lake Landing and you will end up at the shore of
the lake from this old farm lane trail. Maybe we’ll see you there!
Update/Addendum to Hiking
Grand Lake Reserve 9/1/18
Butterfield Lake Trail
We had done a good part of the Butterfield Lake Landing Trail
before, but had gotten distracted by the lovely Eagle Marsh Trail and never
made it to the end of the Butterfield Lake Trail which ends at… (drum roll)…Butterfield
Lake. When we did the trail today, we couldn’t
believe we almost passed this one up.
The trail is an easy 1.66 mile one way down an old farm path or road. We
admit the late summer growth was high in some of the more meadow parts of the trail,
but much of it was through the woods and the end was well worth the hike.
We arrived at Butterfield Lake and an amazing view of the
cliffs on the other side of the lake (where the Redwood Hill Preserve Trail is
looking back from).
There is a Kiosk on either end of the trail because it
can be accessed by boat from the lakeside.
We loved this hike and will be back!
Be sure to see...
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Introduction
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Red Lake Indian River Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
